Suicide is the third leading cause of death for American youth, ages 15 to 24. Accidents and homicides take more lives. Every 5 hours three people under the age of 25 complete suicide. Some estimate that, among these young adults, for every completed suicide there are 100 - 200 attempts.

Studies show that most suicidal persons, young adults included, don't want to end their lives. In fact, they desperately want to live. But blinded by their problems, they are unable to see any other alternatives.

Warning signs

People who are considering suicide usually signal their intentions. Unfortunately, those who are close to them can overlook the significance of these warnings. So what should raise suspicions?

Emotional state leading up to suicide attempt

• Feeling useless, hopeless, helpless, worthless, or guilty.
• Fatigue or loss of interest in daily activities, boredom.
• Increased alcohol or drug use.
• Irritability, crying, anxiety, and panic attacks.
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
• A major change in sleep or eating patterns, dress or hygiene habits.
• Major personality changes: the person becomes impulsive, rebellious, or violent.
• Withdrawal from family and friends.
• Little (perhaps no) interest in school, work, and hobbies.
• Negative comments about themselves.
• Talking about suicide, their own or others.
• Mourning the death of someone they dearly loved, especially if that person committed suicide.

When moving closer to attempting suicide

• A well-thought out plan to commit suicide
• Making out a will; putting one's affairs in order.
• Loss of interest in things one cared about.
• Visiting or calling people one cares about.
• Preoccupation with dying.
• Sudden cheerfulness after prolonged depression
• Giving away important possessions; making final arrangements for their death.

NOTE: Take these signs even more seriously if the person has already attempted suicide. Studies show that someone who has already attempted suicide is 40 times more likely to complete a suicide than someone that has never attempted.

What to do

Since these are only signs that a person may be contemplating suicide, friends will want to ask how seriously that person is thinking about ending his/her life. Don't hesitate to ask. Then,

• Listen. Encourage him/her to talk about their feelings.
• Show that you care. Genuine concern goes a long way to reassuring a person in despair.
• Assure that he/she is not alone and that help is available.
• Find ways to help decrease the pressure.
• Reassure of God's unfailing love, forgiveness, and power.
• Pray for and with the person.
• Get help from your pastor, family doctor, psychologist, or local suicide prevention center.
• Don't agree to keep their suicidal plans a secret. If you have promised that, break your promise.

If a suicidal person has a plan to end his/her life, has assembled the means to take his/her life (gun, pills, etc.), and knows when and where to carry out that plan, this person needs help immediately. If they have come this far, they will very likely go through with it! Don't leave them alone! Insist they get professional help now.

For more information visit:

• Christian Life Resources:
  http://www.christianliferesources.com/...
• The Help Line:
  http://www.thehelpline.net/suicide.html
• Suicide Prevention Partnership:
  http://www.codenet.net/...
• Suicide and Crisis Service:
  http://www.sccsacs.org/statistics.html